Gordon Brown today led the tributes to veteran Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody, but testimonials of recognition and respect to parliament's longest serving female MP have come from all those of all political persuasions and none.

Personally I remember her best in her role as chairman of the Commons transport committee, tearing shreds off the railway bosses who seemed unwilling or unable to get Britain's trains moving.

Mark Brownrigg, director-general of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: "Gwyneth Dunwoody was a very remarkable and powerful parliamentarian. Like no other, she kept transport issues to the fore with her unique blend of serious and acute investigation coupled with a teasing sense of humour, which left one alternately at ease and in a state of healthy discomfort.

"Her open approach and tenacity cajoled many governments into being more active on transport issues than they might otherwise have been.

"Of course she did not always share the shipping industry's perspectives on specific issues, but she was highly effective and cared with passion."

Mike White describers her here as "an old-fashioned, rightwing political bruiser, unashamed to wield what clout she had on behalf of causes she supported".

Dunwoody's son, David, said: "She was a woman who stood up and said what she believed was true and defended those who did not have many people to defend them. And she stood up for her principles. She was a wonderful woman."